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The vast seibertron.com galleries have assimilated the next batch of Transformers Prime figures and this time round it's the Japanese versions, also known as Arms Micron. Arms Micron stands for Targetmaster Mini-Cons since these versions of the toys feature Mini-Cons that are also Targetmasters! As is mostly the case with Japanese releases these versions feature a few differences from the Hasbro releases, the most obvious difference is the inclusion of the aforementioned Arms Microns. The Arms Microns come as easily assembled unpainted snap together kits you have to free from their sprues first.

These Arms Microns also come at a cost though, they are designed to resemble the characters weaponry in atl-mode and as such replace the weapons that come with the Hasbro releases, the figures themselves also feature new Mini-Con ports on the alt and bot-modes, these can be rather annoying to some.

Another difference are the paint-apps, or rather the lack thereof. Contrary to TakraTomys usual reputation amongst the fandom, these figures feature even less paint than the Hasbro releases and instead rely on stickers you have to apply yourself just like with G1 toys - from the 80s. Best or worst example which ever you prefer is Ratchet, who without stickers is just a mass of white plastic, some gray plastic and a teeny tiny bit of paint.

"Who says stickers are an obsolete technology?"

The galleries each feature a few images of the figures the way they look out of the box, and without their stickers applied.

"Photographer not included!"

Of special interest in this line is Skywarp, a repaint of the First Edition deluxe class Starscream. It's not the fact that the Mini-Con ports make him look even more different from Starscream, no it's the fact that he's as of yet a Japanese exclusive character and may not be released by Hasbro. We're also glad to report that even without stickers he looks rather excellent.

It's so funny. The stickers really shocked me.... left me put off and feeling like I was getting shorted. Then I started thinking back to G1. Putting on stickers was one of my favorite things to do in the known universe. Most exciting part of getting the toy. I gotta get back into that mindset.

In this case, there is no comparison. Hasbro clearly won out this time.

The only Takara advantages I can see are the dark blue plastic used on Optimus:

And the specific gray plastic used on Megatron:

Though, I can't quite tell which version of the two First Editions on AM Megatron's left and right is which. Is Hasbro's on the left and Takara's on the right (from the viewer's perspective, not AM Megatron's), or vice-versa?

Also, while we know that the Super Combo Weapon formed by O.P., B2, and R.A. is called the Star Saber, do any of the other Super Combo Weapon combinations (like the one with Gora and Bulo) have any of their own names?

Caelus wrote:My wife pointed out something interesting about the prehistoric Predacons. I said that everyone was complaining because transforming for them mostly consisted of them just standing up-right. She essentially said, 'So? That's what our ancestors did.'

gothsaurus wrote:It's so funny. The stickers really shocked me.... left me put off and feeling like I was getting shorted. Then I started thinking back to G1. Putting on stickers was one of my favorite things to do in the known universe. Most exciting part of getting the toy. I gotta get back into that mindset.

You can also think it this way: you can either put the stickers on as intended (I plan to with the Arms Micron I get) or you can be bold and try painting the figures yourself.Now that I think about it, could TakaraTomy be trying to tap into the model builders market with these?

And no further Super Combo weapons are known yet, but that may change with the next few waves.

Motto:"That sound you hear is the roar of a Mach 5 engine speeding your way!"

Weapon: Double-Barreled, Armor-Piercing Particle Beam Cann...

God, I just want those minicons! B.B's and Cliffjumper's are may favorites so far!

Looking to acquire a complete set of the G1 Insecticons (Bombshell, Kickback, and Shrapnel). They dont have to be MISB, have the cards. The TRU re-issues are fine too. The only person that can verify my buying status is CounterPunch as he is the only person I have purchased from.

Motto:"Tell my tale to those who ask. Tell it truly; the ill deeds along with the good, and let me be judged accordingly. The rest ... is silence."

Weapon: Twin Shock-Concussion Missiles

gothsaurus wrote:It's so funny. The stickers really shocked me.... left me put off and feeling like I was getting shorted. Then I started thinking back to G1. Putting on stickers was one of my favorite things to do in the known universe. Most exciting part of getting the toy. I gotta get back into that mindset.

Same here. While most of the stickers were fun to apply, the issue I had with some of them is that stickers aren't really meant to be applied on non-flat surfaces. If you look at the stickers on Ratchet's upper chest near his neck, you'll see that the stickers just end up being wrinkled. I tried and tried and tried to get those stickers to lay 100% flat, but they wouldn't because of the curved surfaces. The nice part about stickers on G1 figures is that the stickers are almost always applied to flat surfaces. I think the most difficult stickers to apply, until you get good at it, are the abdomen stickers on the G1 Seekers, as well as their eye stickers. But even those work just fine once you get good at applying them.

Motto:"Tell my tale to those who ask. Tell it truly; the ill deeds along with the good, and let me be judged accordingly. The rest ... is silence."

Weapon: Twin Shock-Concussion Missiles

Sabrblade wrote:And the specific gray plastic used on Megatron:

Though, I can't quite tell which version of the two First Editions on AM Megatron's left and right is which. Is Hasbro's on the left and Takara's on the right (from the viewer's perspective, not AM Megatron's), or vice-versa?

From your left to right: Hasbro's First Edition Megatron, Arms Micron Megatron, and Takara Tomy's First Edition Megatron. I completed the Takara Tomy FE Megatron gallery as well, but won't be posting it until later down the road when I get Hasbro's Cliffjumper and Takara Tomy's Arcee galleries completed. For the record, Takara Tomy's FE Megatron is almost a yellowed grey ... it is NOT the same color as the TFP RID Voyager Megatron, which is far more grey.

Seibertron wrote:From your left to right: Hasbro's First Edition Megatron, Arms Micron Megatron, and Takara Tomy's First Edition Megatron. I completed the Takara Tomy FE Megatron gallery as well, but won't be posting it until later down the road when I get Hasbro's Cliffjumper and Takara Tomy's Arcee galleries completed. For the record, Takara Tomy's FE Megatron is almost a yellowed grey ... it is NOT the same color as the TFP RID Voyager Megatron, which is far more grey.

Thanks, man.

Now, what of the Super Combo Weapons? Is the Star Saber the only named one, or do the other combinations have names too? Like, in the instructions or something?

Caelus wrote:My wife pointed out something interesting about the prehistoric Predacons. I said that everyone was complaining because transforming for them mostly consisted of them just standing up-right. She essentially said, 'So? That's what our ancestors did.'

Seibertron wrote:From your left to right: Hasbro's First Edition Megatron, Arms Micron Megatron, and Takara Tomy's First Edition Megatron. I completed the Takara Tomy FE Megatron gallery as well, but won't be posting it until later down the road when I get Hasbro's Cliffjumper and Takara Tomy's Arcee galleries completed. For the record, Takara Tomy's FE Megatron is almost a yellowed grey ... it is NOT the same color as the TFP RID Voyager Megatron, which is far more grey.

Thanks, man.

Now, what of the Super Combo Weapons? Is the Star Saber the only named one, or do the other combinations have names too? Like, in the instructions or something?

Like I said, the Star Saber, is the only one named. Best wait for the release of the other toys.

Motto:"Tell my tale to those who ask. Tell it truly; the ill deeds along with the good, and let me be judged accordingly. The rest ... is silence."

Weapon: Twin Shock-Concussion Missiles

Sabrblade wrote:

Seibertron wrote:From your left to right: Hasbro's First Edition Megatron, Arms Micron Megatron, and Takara Tomy's First Edition Megatron. I completed the Takara Tomy FE Megatron gallery as well, but won't be posting it until later down the road when I get Hasbro's Cliffjumper and Takara Tomy's Arcee galleries completed. For the record, Takara Tomy's FE Megatron is almost a yellowed grey ... it is NOT the same color as the TFP RID Voyager Megatron, which is far more grey.

Thanks, man.

Now, what of the Super Combo Weapons? Is the Star Saber the only named one, or do the other combinations have names too? Like, in the instructions or something?

I have no idea since there's nothing in English in the instructions. Hopefully you can shed some light on it for us.

Caelus wrote:My wife pointed out something interesting about the prehistoric Predacons. I said that everyone was complaining because transforming for them mostly consisted of them just standing up-right. She essentially said, 'So? That's what our ancestors did.'

Ok... what the heck is THIS? Were is the paint quality from Takara Tomy? who will buy this crap? Hasbro killed transformers prime with new RiD molds and Takara too with stickers and building tools... Transformers Prime Toys are finished!

Grimlock1979 wrote:Ok... what the heck is THIS? Were is the paint quality from Takara Tomy? who will buy this crap? Hasbro killed transformers prime with new RiD molds and Takara too with stickers and building tools... Transformers Prime Toys are finished!

Far from killed. It's unfortunate that not all FE figures had bad distribution, but it's not like those molds aren't going to get released in alternate colors in the near future.

The difference between FE and RID, there are cartoon model aesthetics that both FE and RID do well, it's a matter of give and take.

I love how everyone is antagonizing stickers, but that's what was essential back in G1, a line that everyone loves, and it's something that's 'new' to modern Transformers. Kit making, taking plastic off sprues and putting things together is the niche of Japanese toy collecting. There's nothing wrong with what Takara is trying to do here. .

Motto:"Tell my tale to those who ask. Tell it truly; the ill deeds along with the good, and let me be judged accordingly. The rest ... is silence."

Weapon: Twin Shock-Concussion Missiles

Blurrz wrote:

Grimlock1979 wrote:Ok... what the heck is THIS? Were is the paint quality from Takara Tomy? who will buy this crap? Hasbro killed transformers prime with new RiD molds and Takara too with stickers and building tools... Transformers Prime Toys are finished!

Far from killed. It's unfortunate that not all FE figures had bad distribution, but it's not like those molds aren't going to get released in alternate colors in the near future.

The difference between FE and RID, there are cartoon model aesthetics that both FE and RID do well, it's a matter of give and take.

I love how everyone is antagonizing stickers, but that's what was essential back in G1, a line that everyone loves, and it's something that's 'new' to modern Transformers. Kit making, taking plastic off sprues and putting things together is the niche of Japanese toy collecting. There's nothing wrong with what Takara is trying to do here. .

I agree with Blurr. I have to give Takara Tomy credit for doing some very different things with this line than what we are used to as Transformers fans. It's also great that they gave us something different than what Hasbro has done. I like Hasbro's approach better, but can appreciate what Takara Tomy is doing as well.

I enjoyed applying the stickers on newer toys. Applying stickers to G1 toys has been one of my favorite parts of this hobby ever since I was a kid. I have fond memories of my mother helping me put the stickers on my Transformers (particularly the Constructicons and Jetfire come to mind).

These galleries are some of the first where you can see the stickers applied properly and make the toys look great. Previous photos of these toys with their stickers applied poorly really become a challenge to me to show everyone how to do these right.

Much to my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed putting the Microns together. Model kits are definitely not my forte. Haven't put one together in 25 years. Those of you who purchase these items, please use caution when putting the Microns together. I made a mistake with Bulo, which caused stress marks which lead to breakage with one of his upper leg joint pieces because I removed the legs after attaching them. Had to buy a 2nd Skywarp so that I could have one good Bulo.

If you don't like the Arms Micron line, well, head on down to your local big box store because you should be able to get the very different take from Hasbro in plentiful supplies.

normally they have the better looking figures but compared to hasbros theres not much difference, just look at cliffjumer their version looks like its made out of cheap plastic just like the US counterpart. Brining back stickers is a great idea though, dont have to worry about crappy paint apps or paint defects. The minicons i could take or leave, i like the idea of bringing back target masters but half of these guys just look really bad but the other half are pure awesome. Speaking of quality is the plastic used for these as cheap and flimsy as the hasbro versions?

Grimlock1979 wrote:Ok... what the heck is THIS? Were is the paint quality from Takara Tomy? who will buy this crap? Hasbro killed transformers prime with new RiD molds and Takara too with stickers and building tools... Transformers Prime Toys are finished!

I love how everyone is antagonizing stickers, but that's what was essential back in G1, a line that everyone loves, and it's something that's 'new' to modern Transformers. Kit making, taking plastic off sprues and putting things together is the niche of Japanese toy collecting. There's nothing wrong with what Takara is trying to do here. .

That was the 80s and not everyone loves G1, I for instance don't like them and I've never liked the stickers, even back then. You know what else was once the norm in Transformers toys? No articulation, shoddy details, bad proportions 0 screen accuracy, want that back too?

The only thing I like about these are the kit mini-cons, mostly because I like building stuff.

The whole Prime line is lost on me, both Hasbro and Takara, which sucks because I wanted to like them. But overall Hasbro has the better offering for Prime.

Grimlock1979 wrote:Ok... what the heck is THIS? Were is the paint quality from Takara Tomy? who will buy this crap? Hasbro killed transformers prime with new RiD molds and Takara too with stickers and building tools... Transformers Prime Toys are finished!

I love how everyone is antagonizing stickers, but that's what was essential back in G1, a line that everyone loves, and it's something that's 'new' to modern Transformers. Kit making, taking plastic off sprues and putting things together is the niche of Japanese toy collecting. There's nothing wrong with what Takara is trying to do here. .

That was the 80s and not everyone loves G1, I for instance don't like them and I've never liked the stickers, even back then. You know what else was once the norm in Transformers toys? No articulation, shoddy details, bad proportions 0 screen accuracy, want that back too?

The only thing I like about these are the kit mini-cons, mostly because I like building stuff.

The whole Prime line is lost on me, both Hasbro and Takara, which sucks because I wanted to like them. But overall Hasbro has the better offering for Prime.

You know well enough I wasn't generalizing the entire community. Obviously if we reincarnate our modern figures with 80's toy technology, they're going to **** the bed. But, stickers are something that's prominent in other hobbies to this day. So is kit making.

I just feel that Arm Microns are a throwback to just about everything that has made Transformers successful or atleast changed it's outlook. Stickers and mini-cons. It's different and all of this knocking is the fact that it's an import and alot of people who are negative nancies are always going to be negative if they don't own something in their hands.

Grimlock1979 wrote:Ok... what the heck is THIS? Were is the paint quality from Takara Tomy? who will buy this crap? Hasbro killed transformers prime with new RiD molds and Takara too with stickers and building tools... Transformers Prime Toys are finished!

I love how everyone is antagonizing stickers, but that's what was essential back in G1, a line that everyone loves, and it's something that's 'new' to modern Transformers. Kit making, taking plastic off sprues and putting things together is the niche of Japanese toy collecting. There's nothing wrong with what Takara is trying to do here. .

That was the 80s and not everyone loves G1, I for instance don't like them and I've never liked the stickers, even back then. You know what else was once the norm in Transformers toys? No articulation, shoddy details, bad proportions 0 screen accuracy, want that back too?

The only thing I like about these are the kit mini-cons, mostly because I like building stuff.

The whole Prime line is lost on me, both Hasbro and Takara, which sucks because I wanted to like them. But overall Hasbro has the better offering for Prime.

You know well enough I wasn't generalizing the entire community. Obviously if we reincarnate our modern figures with 80's toy technology, they're going to **** the bed. But, stickers are something that's prominent in other hobbies to this day. So is kit making.

I just feel that Arm Microns are a throwback to just about everything that has made Transformers successful or atleast changed it's outlook. Stickers and mini-cons. It's different and all of this knocking is the fact that it's an import and alot of people who are negative nancies are always going to be negative if they don't own something in their hands.

Even if they weren't imports I wouldn't want stickers. I think stickers generally look bad on toys, tampographs are better. That's why all my G1 reissues and my Gundams are missing all their stickers, Stickers suck.